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Chelsea’s path to potential Club World Cup success may have become slightly easier as key players from likely finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been handed suspensions, ruling them out of crucial matches.
Having secured their spot in the final, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side will meet the winner of the upcoming semi-final clash between PSG and Real Madrid. But FIFA’s disciplinary rulings could tilt the scales in favour of the Blues, as PSG will be without two of their starting defenders if they reach the final in New Jersey on July 13.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez have both been hit with two-match bans following their red cards in the French side’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Bayern Munich. Pacho was dismissed for a high challenge on Leon Goretzka, while Hernandez saw red for elbowing Raphael Guerreiro in stoppage time.
FIFA described the offences as “rough and serious” play under its Disciplinary Code, which mandates a two-game suspension for such infractions. As a result, both players are ruled out of the semi-final against Real Madrid and a potential final.
The suspensions are a blow to PSG manager Luis Enrique, who will have to restructure his defence for the high-stakes clash. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee clarified the punishments were for breaches of Article 14, paragraph 1(e) of the code, meaning:
“That means that in addition to missing the semi-final against Real Madrid, Pacho and Hernandez will also serve suspension in the final, should they advance.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's defensive outlook is slightly more optimistic. Centre-back Dean Huijsen will miss only the semi-final after receiving a straight red card during Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old was penalised for dragging down Serhou Guirassy in the box during injury time.
Unlike the PSG duo, Huijsen’s foul was not deemed violent, and he will only serve a one-match ban:
“Great game from the whole team today. I apologize for being sent off and not being able to help in the next match. ¡Hala Madrid!”
Huijsen posted the message online following the game, reflecting his regret and commitment to the team.
With Huijsen out, Madrid boss Xabi Alonso faces a defensive dilemma ahead of their semi-final. Options to fill the gap include Raúl Asencio, Éder Militão (who is easing back from injury), Jacobo Ramón, or even Aurélien Tchouaméni in a more unconventional role at centre-back.
The semi-final between Real Madrid and PSG is scheduled for Wednesday at New York’s MetLife Stadium. The winner will advance to face Chelsea in Sunday’s final, but with three defenders now suspended, both sides will have to adapt swiftly to keep their title hopes alive.
Featured Image Credit: X / @FIFACWC
